Rocky Intertidal Resources Monitoring Handbook, Cabrillo National Monument Point Loma, San Diego, California
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Rocky Intertidal Resources Monitoring Handbook, Cabrillo National Monument Point Loma, San Diego, California By John M. Engle1 and Gary E. Davis: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 00-202 Prepared for: Cabrillo Historical Association Cabrillo National Monument Point Loma, California !7554 Palos Verdes Drive Goleta, California 93117 2National Biological Service Channel Islands National Park 1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, California 93001 Sacramento, California 2000 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director The use of firm, trade, and brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased Center Director from: Western Ecological Research Center U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Placer Hall, Suite 2012 Information Services 6000 J Street Box 25286 Sacramento, CA 95819-6129 Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 Table of Contents Table of Contents...........................................................................................................................Ill List of Tables................................................................................................................................IV List of Figures............................................................................................................................... IV List of Forms................................................................................................................................. IV 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................! 2. Survey Background and Planning...............................................................................................! 2.1 Survey sites...................................................................................................................2 2.2 Target species assemblages...........................................................................................3 2.3 Fixed plots and transects...............................................................................................3 2.4 Survey scheduling.........................................................................................................4 2.5 Personnel.......................................................................................................................4 2.6 Logistics........................................................................................................................4 3. Survey Methods..........................................................................................................................5 3.1 Site reconnaissance.......................................................................................................5 3.2 Video overview (optional) ............................................................................................5 3.2.1 Video procedures...........................................................................................6 3.2.2 Guidelines for best video results....................................................................? 3.3 Photoplot surveys..........................................................................................................9 3.4 Circular plot surveys...................................................................................................10 3.5 Line intercept transect surveys....................................................................................10 3.6 Timed searches............................................................................................................ 11 3.7 Visitor and bird census................................................................................................11 3.8 Data management........................................................................................................ 12 III List of Tables Table 1. Index Taxa and Monitoring Techniques at Cabrillo National Monument Sites..............13 Table 2. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Plots and Plot Identification Codes ...................................14 Table 3. Rocky Intertidal Survey Tasks.........................................................................................15 Table 4. Area I Rocky Intertidal Interplot Measurements.............................................................16 Table 5. Area II Rocky Intertidal Interplot Measurements............................................................17 Table 6. Area III Rocky Intertidal Interplot Measurements ..........................................................18 List of Figures Figure 1. Point Loma Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Sites............................................................19 Figure 2. Visitor Use and Intertidal Monitoring Areas in Cabrillo National Monument............20 Figure 3. Cabrillo National Monument Area I Map ....................................................................21 Figure 4. Cabrillo National Monument Area II Map...................................................................22 Figure 5. Cabrillo National Monument Area III North Map .......................................................23 Figure 6. Cabrillo National Monument Area III South Map.......................................................24 Figure 7. Photoplot Quadrapod Apparatus ..................................................................................25 List of Forms Form 1. Rocky Intertidal Interplot Measurements........................................................................26 Form 2. Rocky Intertidal Survey Gear..........................................................................................27 Form 3. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Field Log ...........................................................................28 Form 4. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Photo Log ..........................................................................29 Form 5 Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Owl Limpet Measurements ...............................................30 Form 6. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Line Transect Data ............................................................31 Form 7. Rocky Intertidal Abalone/Sea Star Counts......................................................................32 Form 8. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring People and Bird Census.....................................................33 Form 9. Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Photo Point Intercept Scores .............................................34 IV 1. Introduction Long-term monitoring of biological resources and public use in rocky intertidal habitats at Cabrillo National Monument was initiated in 1990 in order to assess dynamic ecological conditions with respect to impacts from public visitation and other human activities in the San Diego metropolitan area. Public access to the monument's intertidal zone is restricted to a single point on the western coast of Point Loma approximately 800 m north of the tip of the peninsula (Figs. 1 & 2). From this point, visitors can explore about 1 km of open ocean shoreline without crossing deep channels that extend to the base of steep cliffs, or moving around the southern tip of the Point into San Diego Bay. This situation creates an apparent gradient of public use extending from the access location downcoast to the Point. The resource monitoring stations were stratified into 3 areas along this presumed human use gradient, with each area encompassing roughly 330 m of shoreline (Fig. 2). Each of the survey locations, designated Area I, Area II, and Area III (Figs. 1 & 2), have been monitored semi-annually (Spring and Fall) for the past 6 yr. Two sites north of the Monument, Navy North and South (Fig. 1), have been monitored in 1995 using the same techniques. A separate manual has been developed for the Navy sites. Continued monitoring of all 5 sites in future years is highly recommended. Biological surveys at these locations provide quantitative seasonal data for index species in fixed plots or transects, and qualitative inventory data for other plants and animals whenever possible. In addition, Cabrillo National Monument personnel collect data on prevailing sea/weather conditions and abundances of birds and visitors at the Monument sites whenever possible during daytime low tide periods. This handbook provides guidelines and specifies procedures for monitoring target species assemblages at Area I, Area II And Area III rocky intertidal sites at the Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego. The handbook will help survey teams prepare for surveys, locate the permanent study plots and standardize sampling procedures for future surveys at these sites, either for continued seasonal monitoring or for impact prevention or assessment studies should the need arise. Visitor and bird census methods and survey data management techniques also are described. 2. Survey Background and Planning This section provides background information about the survey sites, target species, and fixed plots. Survey planning activities are discussed, including scheduling, personnel, and logistical considerations. The guidelines are based on practical experience with intertidal monitoring surveys and field conditions encountered at the Cabrillo National Monument sites since 1990. The guidelines should not be applied rigidly because each survey has its particular circumstances (e.g.,